Acoustically insulated machine

ABSTRACT

An acoustically insulated machine including a source of noise positioned within a housing, a first insulation member positioned within the housing and including a first porous sound absorbing layer and a first dense layer, and a second insulation member positioned within the housing and including a second porous sound absorbing layer and a second dense layer. The first insulation member being is positioned closer to the internal source of noise than the second insulation member and the first insulation member being spaced apart from the second insulation member such that an air gap is formed between the first insulation member and the second insulation member.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and all benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 62/251,914, filed on Nov. 6, 2015, forACOUSTICALLY INSULATED MACHINE, the entire disclosure of which is fullyincorporated herein by reference.

The present application relates generally to acoustically insulatedmachines, and more particularly to acoustically insulated machineshaving spaced apart multilayered sound absorbing members or soundabsorbing member with integrated utility passages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Appliances and other machines that generate noise are usually providedwith acoustical insulation to reduce the levels of emanating sound. Theunwanted sound from these machines can be caused both by the mechanicaloperation of the motor or other mechanical component within the machineand by the vibration of the machine itself. In a residential dwelling,excessive noise may be generated by dishwashers, clothes washers,clothes dryers, refrigerators, freezers, and microwave ovens, which canbe annoying to inhabitants of the dwelling.

Conventional acoustical treatments for machines generally comprisessound transmission barriers and sound absorption layers. One form ofacoustical insulation involves enclosing the noise source in aninsulation structure. A typical form of acoustical insulation is a layerof mineral fiber insulation, such as fiberglass insulation, wrappedaround or positioned around the source of unwanted noise. For example, afiberglass absorber is usually incorporated in the front door panel ofan under-the-counter dishwasher. The blanket of glass fibers absorbssome of the sound energy entering the fiberglass absorber, therebyresulting in a reduced transmission of unwanted sound from the source ofsound in the appliance. Further, it is known that the insertion of areflecting sound barrier within the acoustical insulation also reducesthe sound transmission through the insulation product.

Thermoplastic blanket materials are well known in the art. Suchmaterials have been utilized as acoustical and thermal insulators andliners for application to appliances. These insulators and linerstypically rely upon both sound absorption, i.e. the ability to absorbincident sound waves and transmission loss, i.e. the ability to reflectincident sound waves, in order to provide sound attenuation. An exampleof a multilayer thermoplastic blanket having densified layers isdisclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,974, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

SUMMARY

An acoustically insulated machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, theacoustically insulated machine includes a source of noise positionedwithin a housing, a first insulation member positioned within thehousing and including a first porous sound absorbing layer and a firstdense layer, and a second insulation member positioned within thehousing and including a second porous sound absorbing layer and a seconddense layer. The first insulation member being positioned closer to theinternal source of noise than the second insulation member and the firstinsulation member being spaced apart from the second insulation membersuch that an air gap is formed between the first insulation member andthe second insulation member.

In another embodiment, the acoustically insulated machine is adishwasher assembly including a housing having a front side, a rearside, and a washing chamber, a plurality of legs supporting the housing,a pump and drive motor provided in a cavity between the legs and belowthe housing and an insulation member provided in the cavity. Theinsulation layer having a plurality of passages extending through theinsulation member for routing utilities through the insulation member.

Various objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description of the invention, whenread in light of the accompanying drawings. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for illustrative purposes andare not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled inthe art from the following detailed description of the invention, whenread in light of the accompanying drawings. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for illustrative purposes andare not to be construed as defining the limits of the invention.

The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and form a part of thisspecification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, andtogether with the description serve to explain certain principles of theinvention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine;

FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a pair of spaced apart,multi-layer insulation members;

FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of a plurality of spaced apart,multi-layer insulation members;

FIG. 2C is a schematic illustration of a single-layer insulation member;

FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating sound absorption performance ofnon-spaced apart, insulation members;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dishwasher installed in kitchencabinetry;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated dishwasher;

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having spaced apart, multi-layerinsulation members;

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having spaced apart, multi-layerinsulation members;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having spaced apart, multi-layerinsulation members;

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having spaced apart, multi-layerinsulation members;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated dishwasher;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aninsulation member with utility passages;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aninsulation member with utility passages;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine assembly in an unconnected state;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 13 in a partially connected state;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 13 in a partially connected state;

FIG. 16 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 13 in a partially connected state;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 13 in a connected state;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated dishwasher;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aninsulation member with utility passages;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aninsulation member with utility passages;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aninsulation member with utility passages;

FIG. 22 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine assembly in a partially connected state;

FIG. 23 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 22 in a partially connected state;

FIG. 24 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 22 in a connected state;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated dishwasher;

FIG. 26 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine assembly in an unconnected state;

FIG. 27 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 26 in a partially connected state;

FIG. 28 is a top view of the acoustically insulated machine assembly ofFIG. 26 in a connected state;

FIG. 29 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having spaced apart, multi-layerinsulation members;

FIG. 30 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having spaced apart insulation members;

FIG. 31 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having wedge-shaped, multi-layerinsulation members;

FIG. 32 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated machine having an angled or curved, multi-layerinsulation member;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated dishwasher;

FIG. 34 is a front view of the acoustically insulated dishwasher of FIG.33;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anacoustically insulated dishwasher;

FIG. 36 is a top view of the acoustically insulated dishwasher of FIG.35 in a first position; and

FIG. 36 is a top view of the acoustically insulated dishwasher of FIG.35 in a second position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments disclosed herein will now be described by reference tosome more detailed embodiments, in view of the accompanying drawings.These embodiments may, however, be embodied in different forms andshould not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will bethorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventionsto those skilled in the art.

As described herein, when one or more components are described as beingconnected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwiseinterconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between thecomponents or may be indirect such as through the use of one or moreintermediary components. Also as described herein, reference to a“member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a singlestructural member, component, or element but can include an assembly ofcomponents, members or elements.

The present application discloses exemplary embodiments of acousticallyinsulated machines 10. The acoustically insulated machine 10 may take awide variety of different forms. For example, the acoustically insulatedmachine 10 may be a clothes washing machine, a dishwasher, an airconditioner, a microwave oven, a refrigerator, a freezer, or any otherhousehold machine or appliance that makes noise. The acousticallyinsulated machines 10 include one or more insulation members that mayhave variety of configurations, orientations, and compositions. Theinsulation members may serve as acoustic insulation, such as forexample, by reflecting or absorbing the energy of sound waves, and insome embodiments, also serve as thermal insulation.

Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine 10 includes a cabinet 12 or housing, an internalsource of noise 14, a first insulation member 16 and a second insulationmember 18. The first insulation member 16 is spaced apart from thesecond insulation member 18. In the example illustrated by FIG. 1, theinsulation members 16, 18 can be spaced apart a distance X that at leastpartially defines an air gap 19 between the insulation members.

The insulation members 16, 18 can absorb sound energy 17 generated byinternal source of noise 14 to make the machine 10 quieter. In theillustrated example, the insulation members 16, 18 are disposed insidethe cabinet 12. In other embodiments, however, the insulation members16, 18 may be disposed outside of the cabinet 12. The number andlocation of insulation members may vary in different embodiments of theacoustically insulated machines 10. In some exemplary embodiments, theinsulation members 16, 18 may also thermally insulate the machine 10 inaddition to acoustically insulate the machine.

The first and second insulation members 16, 18 may take a wide varietyof different forms. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIG. 1,each of the first and second insulation members 16, 18 includes one ormore porous, sound absorbing layers 20 and one or more dense or facinglayers 22 attached to a face of the one or more dense sound absorbinglayers. The one or more dense or facing layers 22 can have a densitythat is greater than a density of the sound absorbing layers 20.Referring to FIG. 2A, the first insulation member 16 includes a firstdense or facing layer 22 a and a first porous, sound absorbing layer 20a and the second insulation member 18 includes a second dense or facinglayer 22 b and a second porous, sound absorbing layer 20 b. Thecombination of porous, sound absorbing layers 20 and dense or facinglayers 22 allows the thin first and second insulation members 16, 18 toprovide the sound absorbing effectiveness of much thicker insulationmembers 26, as shown in FIG. 2C, that are made only from porous, soundabsorbing material.

In the example of FIG. 2A, low frequency sound energy 17 from the sourceof noise 14 hits the first dense or facing layer 22 a of the firstinsulation member 16. The low frequency sound energy may be sound energyin a frequency range of 100 to 800 Hz, a frequency range of 100 to 400Hz, a frequency range of 100 to 200 Hz, a frequency range of 100 to 150Hz, or a frequency range of 100 to 125 Hz. The wavelengths of the lowfrequency sound energy are long enough that a portion 32 of the lowfrequency sound energy 17 is reflected by the dense or facing layer 22 aand the rest (i.e. a majority) of the low frequency sound energy passesinto the first dense or facing layer 20 a. A majority, and in some casessubstantially all or all high frequency sound energy is reflected by thefirst dense or facing layer 22 a. For example, the high frequency soundenergy may be sound energy at a frequency that is higher than 800 Hz.This high frequency sound energy is reflected back into the machine 10(FIG. 1) by the facing layer 22 a. Since, however, the wavelength of thehigh frequency energy is short, the high frequency sound energydissipates before it finds another path out of the machine.

In one exemplary embodiment, the reflected portion 32 of low frequencyairborne acoustic energy or low frequency sound energy is less thanfifty percent of the low frequency airborne acoustic energy or lowfrequency sound energy 17 that hits the first dense or facing layer 22a. For example, the reflected portion 32 may be 50%, less than or equalto 45%, less than or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 35%, less thanor equal to 30%, less than or equal to 25%, less than or equal to 20%,less than or equal to 15%, or less than or equal to 10% of the lowfrequency airborne acoustic energy or low frequency sound energy 17. Thereflected portion 32 may escape the cabinet 12 at other locations. Assuch, reducing the reflected portion 32 may reduce the overall lowfrequency sound energy that escapes from the cabinet 12 (FIG. 1).

Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the first denseor facing layer 22 a may be absorbed by the first dense or facing layer.Low frequency sound energy that is not absorbed by the first dense orfacing layer 22 a passes into the first porous, sound absorbing layer 20a. Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the firstporous, sound absorbing layer 20 a is absorbed by the first porous,sound absorbing layer. A remaining portion 38 exits the first insulationmember 16 and enters the air gap 19 between the first and secondinsulation members 16, 18. The air gap 19 can be at least partiallydefined by the distance X between the first and second insulation member16, 18. The air gap 19 can act as a broad band sound absorber oracoustic barrier. Thus, some of the low frequency sound that enters theair gap 19 is absorbed by or dissipated by the air gap.

A remaining portion 39 of the low frequency energy not absorbed ordissipated by the air gap 19 hits the second dense or facing layer 22 b.A portion 40 of the low frequency sound energy 39 that hits the seconddense or facing layer 22 b is reflected back into the air gap 19. Therest of the low frequency sound energy passes into the second dense orfacing layer 22 b. In one exemplary embodiment, the reflected portion 40of low frequency sound energy is less than fifty percent of the lowfrequency sound energy 39 that hits the second dense or facing layer 22b. For example, the reflected portion 40 may be 50%, less than or equalto 45%, less than or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 35%, less thanor equal to 30%, less than or equal to 25%, less than or equal to 20%,less than or equal to 15%, or less than or equal to 10% of the lowfrequency sound energy 39.

Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the second denseor facing layer 22 b is absorbed by the second dense or facing layer.Low frequency sound energy 48 that is not absorbed by the second denseor facing layer passes into the second porous, sound absorbing layer 20b. Some of the low frequency sound energy 48 that passes into the secondporous, sound absorbing layer 20 b is absorbed by the second porous,sound absorbing layer 20 b. A portion 52 of the low frequency soundenergy that is not absorbed passes out of second insulation member 18.This low frequency sound energy 52 is much less than the low frequencysound energy 17 that initially hits the first insulation member 16.

As can be seen from FIG. 2A, the reflected sound energy portion 40bounces back into the air gap 19. A portion of this low frequency soundenergy 40 is absorbed or dissipated in the air gap 19. The remainingportion 41 enters the first porous sound absorbing layer 20 a. A portionof the low frequency sound energy 41 is absorbed by the first porous,sound absorbing layer 20 a and a remaining portion 42 hits the firstdense or facing layer 22 a. A portion 43 of the low frequency soundenergy that hits the first dense or facing layer 22 a is reflected backinto the first porous, sound absorbing layer 20 a. Thus, some lowfrequency sound energy may be bounced back and forth across the air gap19 where it dissipates or is absorbed.

The arrangement of dense or facing layers and porous layers allow amajority of the low frequency sound energy 17 to enter the firstinsulation member 16, then trap a majority of the low frequency soundenergy in the first and second insulation member 16, 18, and allow onlya small portion 52 of the low frequency sound energy to pass through theinsulation members 16, 18. Referring to FIG. 2C, the small portion oflow frequency sound energy 52 is comparable to the portion of lowfrequency sound energy that passes through a much thicker insulationmember that is made only of porous, sound absorbing material.

In the example of FIG. 2B, a third insulation member 60 having a thirddense or facing layer 22 c and a third porous, sound absorbing layer 20c is included. The third insulation member 60 is spaced apart from thesecond insulation member 18 by an air gap 19 b. Low frequency soundenergy 17 or low frequency airborne acoustic energy from the source ofnoise 14 hits the first dense or facing layer 22 a. A portion 32 of thelow frequency sound energy 17 is reflected by the dense or facing layer22 a and the rest of the low frequency sound energy passes into thefirst dense or facing layer 22 a. In one exemplary embodiment, thereflected portion 32 of low frequency sound energy is less than fiftypercent of the low frequency sound energy 17 that hits the first denseor facing layer 22 a. For example, the reflected portion 32 may be 50%,less than or equal to 45%, less than or equal to 40%, less than or equalto 35%, less than or equal to 30%, less than or equal to 25%, less thanor equal to 20%, less than or equal to 15%, or less than or equal to 10%of the low frequency sound energy 17. The reflected portion 32 mayescape the cabinet 12 at other locations. As such, reducing thereflected portion 32 may reduce the overall low frequency sound energythat escapes from the cabinet 12 (FIG. 1).

Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the first denseor facing layer 22 a is absorbed by the first dense or facing layer. Thelow frequency sound energy that is not absorbed by the first dense orfacing layer passes into the first porous, sound absorbing layer 20 a.Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the firstporous, sound absorbing layer 20 a is absorbed by the first porous,sound absorbing layer. A remaining portion 38 enters the air gap 19 abetween the first and second insulation members 16, 18. The air gap 19 acan be at least partially defined by the distance Xa between the firstand second insulation member 16, 18. The air gap 19 a may act as a broadband sound absorber or acoustic barrier. Thus, some of the low frequencysound 38 that enters the air gap 19 a is absorbed or dissipated by theair gap.

A remaining portion 39 hits the second dense or facing layer 22 b and aportion 40 of the low frequency sound energy 39 is reflected back intothe air gap 19 a by the dense or facing layer 22 b and the rest of thelow frequency sound energy passes into the second dense or facing layer.In one exemplary embodiment, the reflected portion 40 of low frequencysound energy is less than fifty percent of the low frequency soundenergy 39 that hits the second dense or facing layer 22 b. For example,the reflected portion 40 may be 50%, less than or equal to 45%, lessthan or equal to 40%, less than or equal to 35%, less than or equal to30%, less than or equal to 25%, less than or equal to 20%, less than orequal to 15%, or less than or equal to 10% of the low frequency soundenergy 39.

Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the second denseor facing layer 22 b is absorbed by the second dense or facing layer.Low frequency sound energy that is not absorbed by the second dense orfacing layer 22 b passes into the second porous, sound absorbing layer20 b. Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the secondporous, sound absorbing layer 20 b is absorbed by the second porous,sound absorbing layer 20 b.

A remaining portion 48 enters the air gap 19 b between the second andthird insulation members 18, 60. The air gap 19 b can be at leastpartially defined by the distance Xb between the second and thirdinsulation members 18, 60. The air gap 19 b acts may act a broad bandsound absorber or acoustic barrier. Thus, some of the low frequencysound that enters the air gap 19 b is absorbed or dissipated by the airgap.

A remaining portion 49 hits the third dense or facing layer 22 c. Aportion 50 of the low frequency sound energy 49 is reflected back intothe air gap 19 b by the dense or facing layer 22 c. In one exemplaryembodiment, the reflected portion 50 of low frequency sound energy isless than fifty percent of the low frequency sound energy 49 that hitsthe third dense or facing layer 22 c. For example, the reflected portion50 may be 50%, less than or equal to 45%, less than or equal to 40%,less than or equal to 35%, less than or equal to 30%, less than or equalto 25%, less than or equal to 20%, less than or equal to 15%, or lessthan or equal to 10% of the low frequency sound energy 49.

The rest of the low frequency sound energy 49 that is not reflected backinto the air gap 19 b passes into the third dense or facing layer 22 c.Some of the low frequency sound energy that passes into the third denseor facing layer 22 c is absorbed by the third dense or facing layer. Theportion 51 of low frequency sound energy that is not absorbed by thethird dense or facing layer 22 c passes into the third porous, soundabsorbing layer 20 c. Some of the low frequency sound energy 51 thatpasses into the third porous, sound absorbing layer 20 c is absorbed bythe third porous sound absorbing layer. Low frequency sound energy 52that is not absorbed by the third porous, sound absorbing layer 20 cexits the third porous sound absorbing layer. This low frequency soundenergy 52 is much less than the low frequency sound energy 17 thatinitially hit the first insulation member 16.

As can be seen from FIG. 2B, a portion of this low frequency soundenergy 50 that is reflected back into the air gap 19 b is absorbed ordissipated by the air gap. The remaining portion 53 hits the secondporous sound absorbing layer 20 b. A portion of the low frequency soundenergy 53 is absorbed by the second porous sound absorbing layer 20 b. Aportion 54 of the low frequency sound energy 53 that is not absorbed ordissipated, hits the second dense or facing layer 22 b. A portion 55 ofthe low-frequency sound energy 54 that hits the second dense or facinglayer 22 b is reflected back into the second porous sound absorbinglayer 20 b and a portion 56 may pass through the second dense or facinglayer 22 b and into the air gap 19 a.

A portion of the reflected low frequency sound energy 40, 56 that isreflected back to the air gap 19 a is absorbed or dissipated by the airgap. A remaining portion 57 of the low frequency sound energy hits thefirst porous sound absorbing layer 20 a. A portion of the low frequencysound energy 57 is absorbed by the first porous sound absorbing layer 20a and a remaining portion 58 hits the first dense or facing layer 22 a.A portion 59 of the low frequency sound energy 58 is reflected back intothe first porous sound absorbing layer 20 a. Thus, some low frequencysound energy may be bounced back and forth across the air gap 19 a and19 b where it dissipates or is absorbed.

The arrangement of dense or facing layers, porous layers, and air gapsallow a majority of the low frequency sound energy to enter theinsulation members, then trap a majority of the low frequency soundenergy, and allow only a small portion 52 of the low frequency soundenergy to pass through the insulation members. Referring to FIGS. 2B and2C, the small portion of low frequency sound energy 52 may be comparableto or less than the portion of low frequency sound energy that passesthrough a much thicker insulation member that is made only of porous,sound absorbing material.

The graph of FIG. 3 illustrates the effect of a multi-layer arrangementof the porous, sound absorbing layers 20 and dense or facing layers 22when those layers are arranged as disclosed in U.S. Published PatentApplication 2012/0298154, to Rockwell et. al, the disclosure of which isfully incorporated herein by reference. In FIG. 3, an absorptioncoefficient (y-axis), which is a measure of the absorptive effectivenessof the insulation member, is plotted vs. noise frequencies (x-axis) forfour different insulation members. The first plot 302 represents theperformance of an insulation member that comprises a porous, loftedsound absorbing layer 20 having a thickness T and single thin facinglayer 22. The second plot 304 represents the performance of aninsulation member that comprises a porous, lofted sound absorbing layer20 having a thickness 2T and a single thin facing layer 22. The thirdplot 306 represents the performance of an insulation member 16constructed with two porous, lofted sound absorbing layers 20alternating with two thin facing layers 22 where the first porous, soundabsorbing layer 20 a has a thickness T and the second porous, soundabsorbing layer 20 b has a thickness 2T. The fourth plot 308 representsthe performance of an insulation member 16 constructed with threeporous, lofted sound absorbing layers 20 alternating with three thinfacing layers 22 where the first sound absorbing layer 20 a has athickness T, the second sound absorbing layer 20 b has a thickness 2T,and the third sound absorbing layer 20 c has a thickness 2T.

As can be seen from the graph of FIG. 3 the multi-layer arrangements ofmultiple porous, sound absorbing layers 20 and multiple dense or facinglayers 22 significantly enhances the performance of the insulationmember 16, especially in a low frequency range of between 100 and 500Hz, and most especially around 125 Hz. As can be seen from the graph ofFIG. 3, the multi-layer arrangements have more than an additive effecton the absorption performance, especially in low frequency ranges, suchas at frequencies between 100 Hz and 200 Hz. For example, at 125 Hz, theabsorption performance coefficient of the 2 absorptive layer/2 facinglayer insulation member (plot 306) is about 15-20% more than theabsorption performance coefficients of the two 1 absorptive layer/1facing layer (plots 302, 304) added together. In addition, at 125 Hz,the absorption performance coefficient of the 3 absorptive layer/3insulation member (plot 308) is about 50% more than the absorptionperformance coefficient of the 2 absorptive layer/2 facing layerinsulation member (plot 306) added to the 1 absorptive layer/1absorptive layer (plot 304—i.e. 2T thickness plot). As such, adding thesecond and third absorptive/facing layers increases the absorptiveperformance coefficient in a substantially exponential manner. Thissubstantially increased acoustical absorption performance is especiallyuseful in machines having motors and pumps that generate noise in a lowfrequency range, such as frequencies around 125 Hz. For example, theincreased acoustical performance is beneficial in a dishwasher orwashing machine that generates noise in a low frequency range, such asfrequencies around 125 Hz.

Introducing the air gap 19 between the first porous sound absorbinglayer 20 a and the second facing layer 22 b, as shown in FIG. 2A,provides improved the absorptive effectiveness as compared to theabsorptive effectiveness, shown in the third plot 306, of the two layer,two facing layer arrangement. Similarly, introducing the air gap 19 abetween the first porous sound absorbing layer 20 a and the secondfacing layer 22 b and the air gap 19 b between the second porous soundabsorbing layer 20 b and the third facing layer 22 c, as shown in FIG.2B, provides improved absorptive effectiveness as compared to theabsorptive effectiveness, shown in the fourth plot 308, of the threelayer, three facing layer arrangement.

The porous, sound absorbing layers 20 may be made from a wide variety ofdifferent materials. For example, the porous, sound absorbing layers 20may be made from thermoplastic polymers, such as polyester, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) polypropylene and the like. In one exemplaryembodiment, the sound absorbing layer 20 is made from a fine fiber PETmaterial, such as a 2 denier fiber size PET material. The porous, soundabsorbing layers 20 may be formed with a variety of different densitiesand lofts, which can be selected to adjust the acoustic performance ofthe insulation member 16. In one exemplary embodiment, the porous, soundabsorbing layer 20 is 15-300 grams per square foot and a thickness rangeof/8 inch to 3 inches. In other embodiments, the sound absorbing layer20 may have a thickness range of ½ inch to 1½ inches. For example, inthe embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first soundabsorbing layer 20 a may be a PET material, such as VersaMat 2110(available from Owens Corning) that is 20-25 grams per square foot witha thickness of about ¾ inch, the second sound absorbing layer 20 b maybe a PET material, such as VersaMat 2110 that is 60-80 grams per squarefoot with a thickness of about 1½ inch, and the third sound absorbinglayer 20 c (FIG. 2B) may be a PET material, such as VersaMat 2110 thatis 60-80 grams per square foot with a thickness of about 1½ inch.However, any combination of materials, lofts, and densities may beselected or changed to achieve different acoustic performancecharacteristics.

The facing layers 22 can take a wide variety of different forms. In anexemplary embodiment, the facing 22 is a relatively permeable layer thatallows noise and air to pass through the facing member. For example, thefacing layers 22 may have an airflow resistance between about 600-1400Rayls. In one exemplary embodiment, the facing layers 22 have an airflowresistance between 900-1400 Rayls. In other exemplary embodiment, thefacing layers 22 have an airflow resistance between 600-1100 Rayls. Thefacing layers 22 may be selected to have an airflow resistance of about700 Rayls, about 900 Rayls, about 1100 Rayls, about 1300 Rayls, or about1400 Rayls. Other airflow resistances, however, can be selected. In oneexemplary embodiment, the facing layers 22 in the embodimentsillustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B have an airflow resistance of about 900,1100 and/or 1400 Rayls.

The facing layers 22 can be made from a wide variety of differentmaterials and may have a variety of different thicknesses. For example,any material having the airflow resistance described above can be used.Examples of acceptable materials for the facing layers 22 include, butare not limited to polypropylene, PET, non-porous materials that areperforated to allow airflow, such as perforated metal foil, perforatedpolymer material, such as a Teflon sheet that has been perforated toallow airflow.

The facing layer 22 may have a wide variety of different densities andthicknesses. In an exemplary embodiment, the dense or facing layer 22 ismuch denser than the sound absorbing layer 20. For example, in theembodiments illustrated by FIGS. 2A and 2B, the dense or facing layers22 a, 22 b, 22 c may be a polypropylene material, such as aspunbond/meltblown/spunbond sheet that is 50 grams per square meter(gsm). The facing layer 22 can have any thickness. For example, thefacing layer 22, when made from a polymer such as polypropylene or PET,may be between 0.01 and 0.1 cm thick.

The air gaps 19 a, 19 b may be a wide variety of different shapes andsizes. For example, the size of the air gaps 19 can at least partiallybe defined by the distance X between the insulation members. Thedistance between the insulation members and the orientation andconfiguration of each of the insulation members can vary in differentembodiments. Thus, the size and shape of the air gaps may vary indifferent embodiments and at different locations along the length of theinsulation members. In the schematic illustrations of FIGS. 1-2 b, theinsulation members are generally planar and arranged parallel to eachother. The air gap between the first and second insulation members canbe defined by the distance X between the insulation member and thelength of each insulation member. In other embodiments, however, thedistance between the insulation members may vary across the length ofthe insulation members. Thus, the air gap size can vary at differentlocations between the insulation members.

The facing layers 22 and the sound absorbing layers 20 can be assembledin a wide variety of different manners. In one exemplary embodiment, afacing layer 22 is bonded to one or both of the faces of the soundabsorbing layer 20 to form a porous/dense laminate 21. The facing layer22 may be bonded to the sound absorbing layer 20 in a wide variety ofdifferent ways. For example, the facing layer 22 may be laminated to thesound absorbing layer 20 using heat and/or pressure or the facing layermay be bonded to the sound absorbing layer with an adhesive.

The insulation members 16, 18 can take a wide variety of differentforms, be made from a wide variety of different materials, and be madein a wide variety of different ways. The insulation members 16 18, mayhave any number of porous, sound absorbing layers 20 and dense or facinglayers 22. For example, the insulation member 16 may include any numberof alternating dense or facing layers 22 and porous, sound absorbinglayers 20 with one porous, sound absorbing layer at one outer surfaceand one dense or facing layer at the other outer surface, any number ofalternating dense or facing layers 22 and porous, sound absorbing layers20 with porous, sound absorbing layers at the outer surfaces, and/or anynumber of alternating dense or facing layers 22 and porous, soundabsorbing layers 20 with dense or facing layers at the outer surfaces.Any arrangement of porous, sound absorbing layers 20 and dense or facinglayers 22 can be used.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 400. Thefollowing description of a dishwasher is provided for illustrativepurposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the applicationunless otherwise stated. The acoustically insulated dishwasher 400illustrated by FIGS. 4 and 5 may include a housing 402, a pump 404, adrive motor 406, a plate 408 closing a front side 410 of the housing,and one or more insulation members 416. The housing 402 includes awashing chamber 418 (FIG. 5) and an access door 420 (FIG. 4).

The dishwasher 400 includes a base portion 434 that is provided with aplurality of legs 422 and/or wheels 423 that support the housing 402.The wheels 423 enable an installer to easily position the dishwasher 400below the countertop 425 and legs 422 enable the installer to accuratelyposition/level the dishwasher 400. The pump 404 and drive motor 406 areprovided in a cavity 424 between the legs 422 and below the housing 402.

The dishwasher 400 illustrated by FIG. 5 includes a wash arm 414 that isarranged within the washing chamber 418 above a sump 415. The wash arm414 selectively delivers jets of washing fluid onto kitchenware placedwithin dishwasher 400 in a manner known in the art. The pump 404 isconnected to the sump 415. In operation, the pump 404 creates acirculating flow of washing fluid within the washing chamber 418 duringa washing operation.

Referring to FIG. 4, the door 420 includes a handle 419 that selectivelyprovides access to the washing chamber 418. The door 420 includes aplurality of control elements (not shown) for selecting particularoperating parameters of a washing operation. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, the dishwasher 400 is arranged below a countertop 425 adjacentto cabinetry 427. The plate 408 extends below the door 420 to provide afinished, aesthetic appearance. In one exemplary embodiment, the one ormore insulation members 416 may be provided between the plate 408 andthe pump 404 (FIG. 6).

The insulation members 416 may take a wide variety of different forms.For example, the insulation members 416 may have any of the multi-layerconfigurations of the first and second insulation members 16, 18described above. In one exemplary embodiment, at least one of the one ormore insulation members 416 comprises a porous, sound absorbing layer 20and a dense or facing layer 22 attached to a of the sound absorbinglayer 20. The dense or facing layer 22 has a density that is greaterthan a density of the sound absorbing layer. In one exemplaryembodiment, the one or more insulation members 416 are oriented suchthat the dense or facing layer 22 faces toward the pump 404 and motor406 and at least two insulation members are separated by an air gap 19.The dense or facing layer 22 may be configured to allow a majority oflow frequency sound energy from the pump 404 and motor 406 to pass intothe dense or facing layer 22.

The one or more insulation members 416 may be positioned and orientedwithin the cabinet 12 of the machine 10 in a variety of ways to reducethe amount of sound energy generated by the internal source of noise 14that leaves the cabinet. The insulation members 416 can be disposedinside any of the walls of the cabinet 12 or positioned within thecabinet in any suitable orientation. In other embodiments, however, oneor more insulation members 416 may be disposed outside of the cabinet 12and may be disposed on or outside any of the walls of the cabinet. Theinsulation members 416 can be oriented such that a dense or facing layer22 faces toward the internal source of noise 14. In other embodiments,however, one or more insulation members 416 may be oriented such that aporous, sound absorbing layer 20 faces toward the internal source ofnoise 14.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 600. Thedishwasher 600 may take a wide variety of different forms. For example,the dishwasher 600 may be configured as described above in relation todishwasher 400. In other embodiments, however, the dishwasher 600 may beconfigured differently than the dishwasher 400.

The dishwasher 600 includes a cabinet or housing 602, a pump 604 and adrive motor 606 disposed within the cabinet, a first insulation member608, and a second insulation member 610. The cabinet 602 includes afront wall 612, a rear wall 614 spaced apart and generally parallel tothe front wall, a first side wall 616 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 618generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

The first insulation member 608 and the second insulation member 610 maytake a wide variety of different forms. For example, the first andsecond insulation members 608, 610 may have any of the multi-layerconfigurations of the insulation members 16, 18, and 416 describedabove. In other embodiments, however, the insulation members 608, 610may differ from the insulation members 16, 18, and 416. In the exemplaryembodiment of FIG. 6, the first insulation member 608 and the secondinsulation member 610 are multilayered.

The first insulation member 608 includes a first dense or facing layer622 a that faces toward the pump 604 and the drive motor 606, a firstporous sound absorbing layer 620 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 622 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 620 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer620 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 622 b. The firstinsulation member 608 has a first length L1, has a generally linear orplanar configuration, and is a distance Y from the pump 604.

The second insulation member 610 includes a first dense or facing layer622 a that faces toward the pump 604 and the drive motor 606, a firstporous sound absorbing layer 620 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 622 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 620 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer620 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 622 b. The secondinsulation member 608 has a second length L2, has a generally linear orplanar configuration, and is a distance X from the first insulationmember 608. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 6, the first length L1is smaller than the second length L2 and the distance X is greater thanthe distance Y. In other embodiments, however, the first length L1 havebe equal to or greater than the second length L2 and the distance X maybe equal to or less than the distance Y.

The first insulation member 608 is arranged parallel, or generallyparallel, to the second insulation member 610 and the front wall 612. Inother embodiments, however, the first insulation member 608 may be otherthan parallel to the second insulation member 610 and/or the front wall612. The first insulation member 608 is spaced apart from the secondinsulation member 610 such that an air gap 619 is formed between thefirst and second insulation members 608, 610. The air gap 619 may beshaped and sized in a variety of ways. For example, the air gap 619 maybe configured as described above regarding the air gaps 19, 19 a, 19 bof FIGS. 2A and 2B. The air gap 619 can be at least partially defined bythe distance X that the first insulation member 608 is spaced apart fromthe second insulation member 610. In the exemplary embodiment, thedistance X between the first and second insulation members 608, 610 isconstant, or generally constant, along the length of the firstinsulation member. Thus, the size of the gap 619 is constant, orgenerally constant, along the length. In other embodiments, however, thesize of the air gap between the first and second insulation members mayvary along the length of the members.

Referring to FIG. 7, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 700. Thedishwasher 700 is similar to the dishwasher 600 of FIG. 6 in that thedishwasher 700 includes a cabinet or housing 702, a pump 704 and a drivemotor 706 disposed within the cabinet, a first insulation member 708,and a second insulation member 710. The cabinet 702 includes a frontwall 712, a rear wall 714 spaced apart and generally parallel to thefront wall, a first side wall 716 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 718generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

The first insulation member 708 and the second insulation member 710 aremultilayered. The first insulation member 708 includes a first dense orfacing layer 722 a that faces toward the pump 704 and the drive motor706, a first porous sound absorbing layer 720 a attached to the firstdense or facing layer, a second dense or facing layer 722 b attached tothe first porous sound absorbing layer 720 a, and a second porous soundabsorbing layer 720 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 722b.

The second insulation member 710 includes a first dense or facing layer722 a that faces toward the pump 704 and the drive motor 706, a firstporous sound absorbing layer 720 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 722 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 720 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer720 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 722 b. The secondinsulation member 708 has a generally linear or planar configuration andis arranged generally parallel to the front wall 712.

The first insulation member 708, however, differs from the firstinsulation member 608 of FIG. 6 in that the first insulation member 708is curved or includes angled portions. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 7, the first insulation member 708 partially surrounds the pump 704and/or the drive motor 706 and is a distance Y from the pump 704. Inother embodiments, however, the first insulation member 708 may notsurround, or partially surround, the pump 704 and/or the drive motor706. In the illustrated embodiment, the first insulation member 708includes a first angled portion 730, a second angled portion 732, and anintermediate portion 734 that connects the first angled portion to thesecond angled portion. The first angled portion 730, the second angledportion 732, and the intermediate portion 734 may be a single piece ofmultilayer insulation, or three separate portions that are connected orarranged adjacent to each other. In other embodiments, the firstinsulation member 708 may have more or less than two angled portions ormay be curved.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 7, the first angled portion 730extends at an angle α from to the intermediate portion 734 and thesecond angled portion 732 extends at an angle β from to the intermediateportion 734. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle α and the angle βare both 45 degrees, or approximately 45 degrees. In other embodiments,however, the angle α may be different from the angle β. In addition, inother embodiments the angle α and/or the angle β may be greater than orless than 45 degrees.

The first insulation member 708 is spaced apart from the secondinsulation member 710 a distance X such that an air gap 719 is formedbetween the first and second insulation members 708, 710. In theembodiment of FIG. 7, the intermediate portion 734 is generally parallelto the second insulation member 710 and to the front wall 712. In otherembodiments, however, the intermediate portion 734 may be other thanparallel to the second insulation member 710 and/or the front wall 712.The distance X between the first and second insulation members 708, 710may vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance between the secondinsulation member 710 and the intermediate portion 734 is less than thedistance between the second insulation member and either the firstangled portion 730 or the second angled portion 732. Likewise, thedistance Y between the first insulation member 708 and the pump 704 mayvary.

Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 800. Thedishwasher 800 is similar to the dishwasher 700 of FIG. 7 in that thedishwasher 800 includes a cabinet or housing 802, a pump 804 and a drivemotor 806 disposed within the cabinet, a first insulation member 808,and a second insulation member 810. The cabinet 802 includes a frontwall 812, a rear wall 814 spaced apart and generally parallel to thefront wall, a first side wall 816 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 818generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

The first insulation member 808 and the second insulation member 810 maybe multilayered. The first insulation member 808 includes a first denseor facing layer 822 a that faces toward the pump 804 and the drive motor806, a first porous sound absorbing layer 820 a attached to the firstdense or facing layer, a second dense or facing layer 822 b attached tothe first porous sound absorbing layer 820 a, and a second porous soundabsorbing layer 820 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 822b.

The second insulation member 810 includes a first dense or facing layer822 a that faces toward the pump 804 and the drive motor 806, the firstporous sound absorbing layer 820 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 822 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 820 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer820 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 822 b. The secondinsulation member 808 has a generally linear or planar configuration andis arranged generally parallel to the front wall 812.

The first insulation member 808 is curved or includes angled portionssuch that it partially surrounds the pump 804 and/or the drive motor 806and is a distance Y from the pump 804. In the illustrated embodiment,the first insulation member 808 includes a first angle portion 830, asecond angled portion 832, and an intermediate portion 834 that connectsthe first angled portion to the second angled portion and is generallyparallel to the second insulation member 810 and to the front wall 812.The first insulation member 808 is spaced apart from the secondinsulation member 810 a distance X such that an air gap 819 is formedbetween the first and second insulation members 808, 810.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the first angled portion 830extends at an angle α from to the intermediate portion 834 and thesecond angled portion 832 extends at an angle β from to the intermediateportion 834. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle α and the angle βare both 45 degrees, or approximately 45 degrees. In other embodiments,however, the angle α may be different from the angle β. In addition, inother embodiments the angle α and/or the angle β may be greater than orless than 45 degrees.

The acoustically insulated dishwasher 800, however, differs from thedishwasher 700 in that the dishwasher 800 includes one or moreinsulation members attached or adjacent the inside of one or more of thecabinet rear wall 814 or sidewalls 816, 818. In the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 8, a third insulation member 840 is attached to or adjacent therear wall 816, a fourth insulation member 842 is attached to or adjacentthe first sidewall 816, and a fifth insulation member 844 is attached toor adjacent the second sidewall 818. Collectively, the second insulationmember 810, the third insulation member 840, the fourth insulationmember 842, and the fifth insulation member 844 surround the pump 804and the drive motor 806. The third insulation member 840, the fourthinsulation member 842, and the fifth insulation member 844 may have thesame multi-layer configuration of the first and/or second insulationmembers 808, 810. In other embodiments, however, the third insulationmember 840, the fourth insulation member 842, and the fifth insulationmember 844 may have different configurations than the first or secondinsulation members 808, 810. Furthermore, any of the insulation membersmay be configured differently than any other insulation member.

The third insulation member 840 includes a first dense or facing layer822 a that faces toward the pump 804 and the drive motor 806, a firstporous sound absorbing layer 820 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 822 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 820 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer820 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 822 b. The thirdinsulation member 840 has a generally linear or planar configuration andis arranged generally parallel to the rear wall 814.

The fourth insulation member 842 includes a first dense or facing layer822 a that faces toward the pump 804 and the drive motor 806, a firstporous sound absorbing layer 820 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 822 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 820 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer820 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 822 b. The fourthinsulation member 842 has a generally linear or planar configuration andis arranged generally parallel to the first sidewall 816.

The fifth insulation member 844 includes a first dense or facing layer822 a that faces toward the pump 804 and the drive motor 806, a firstporous sound absorbing layer 820 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 822 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 820 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer820 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 822 b. The fifthinsulation member 844 has a generally linear or planar configuration andis arranged generally parallel to the second sidewall 818.

A portion of the air gap 819 extends between the first insulation member808 and the fourth insulation member 842 and another portion of the airgap 819 extends between the first insulation member 808 and the fifthinsulation member 844. The distance X between the first insulationmember 808 and the second insulation member 810 can vary. Likewise, thedistance between the first insulation member 808 and the fourthinsulation member 842 or the fifth insulation member 844 can vary. Theair gap 819 can be at least partially defined by the distances betweenthe first insulation member and the other insulation members 810, 840,842, 844, thus the size of the air gaps 619 may vary.

Referring to FIG. 9, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 900. Thedishwasher 900 is similar to the dishwasher 700 of FIG. 7 in that thedishwasher 900 includes a cabinet or housing 902, a pump 904 and a drivemotor 906 disposed within the cabinet. The cabinet 902 includes a frontwall 912, a rear wall 914 spaced apart and generally parallel to thefront wall, a first side wall 916 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 918generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

The dishwasher 900 includes a first insulation member 908, a secondinsulation member 910, and a third insulation member 940. Each of thefirst insulation member 908, the second insulation member 910, and thethird insulation member 940 can be multilayered. The first insulationmember 908 includes a first dense or facing layer 922 a, a first poroussound absorbing layer 920 a attached to the first dense or facing layer,a second dense or facing layer 922 b attached to the first porous soundabsorbing layer 920 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer 920 battached to the second dense or facing layer 922 b.

The second insulation member 910 includes a first dense or facing layer922 a that faces toward the pump 904 and the drive motor 906, the firstporous sound absorbing layer 920 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 922 b attached to the first poroussound absorbing layer 920 a, and a second porous sound absorbing layer920 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 922 b. The secondinsulation member 908 has a generally linear or planar configuration andis arranged generally parallel to the front wall 912.

The third insulation member 940 includes a first dense or facing layer922 a, a first porous sound absorbing layer 920 a attached to the firstdense or facing layer, a second dense or facing layer 922 b attached tothe first porous sound absorbing layer 920 a, and a second porous soundabsorbing layer 920 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 922b.

The first insulation member 908, however, differs from the firstinsulation member 708 of FIG. 7 in that the first insulation member 908is V-shaped, including a first angled portion 930 and a second angledportion 932. The first insulation member 908 is positioned generallybetween the pump 904 and the second sidewall 918 with the first angledportion 930 and the second angled portion extending away from the pump904. The first insulation member 908 is spaced apart from the secondinsulation member 910 such that an air gap 919 a is formed between thefirst and second insulation members 908, 910. The first insulationmember 908 is a distance X1 from the pump 904 and a distance Y1 from thesecond insulation member 910. The distance X1 and the distance Y1 mayvary across the length of the first insulation member 908.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, the first angled portion 930 ofthe first insulation member 908 extends at an angle α from the secondangled portion 932. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle α is 90degrees, or approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, however, theangle α may be greater than or less than 90 degrees. The first angleportion 930 and the second angled portion 932 may be formed from asingle piece of multilayer insulation, or may be two separate portionsthat are connected or arranged adjacent to each other.

The third insulation member 940 may be similar to the first insulationmember 908 in that the third insulation member is V-shaped, including afirst angled portion 934 and a second angled portion 936. The thirdinsulation member 940 is positioned generally between the pump 904 andthe first sidewall 916 with the first angled portion 934 and the secondangled portion 936 extending away from the pump 904. The thirdinsulation member 940 is spaced apart from the second insulation member910 such that an air gap 919 b is formed between the third and secondinsulation members 940, 910. The third insulation member 940 is adistance X2 from the pump 904 and a distance Y2 from the secondinsulation member 910. The distance X2 and the distance Y2 may varyacross the length of the first insulation member 908.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9, the first angled portion 934 ofthe third insulation member 940 extends at an angle β from the secondangled portion 936. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle β is 90degrees, or approximately 90 degrees. In other embodiments, however, theangle β may be greater than or less than 90 degrees. In the illustratedembodiment, the angle α of the first insulation member 908 is equal tothe angle β of the third insulation member 940. In other embodiments,however, the angle α may differ from the angle β. The first angleportion 934 and the second angled portion 936 may be formed from asingle piece of multilayer insulation, or may be two separate portionsthat are connected or arranged adjacent to each other.

As described with respect to the insulation members 16, 18, 60, thearrangement of dense or facing layers, porous layers, and air gaps ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 6-9 allow a majority of the low frequency soundenergy to enter the insulation members, then trap a majority of the lowfrequency sound energy, and allow only a small portion of the lowfrequency sound energy to pass through the insulation members. Theinsulation members can be oriented to reflect much of the sound energythat is not absorbed toward the rear or side walls of the acousticallyinsulated machine or toward another insulating member.

Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 1000. Theacoustically insulated dishwasher 1000 illustrated by FIG. 10 is similarto the dishwasher 400 of FIG. 5 in that the dishwasher includes ahousing 1002, a pump 1004 and a drive motor 1006 (See FIG. 13), a plate1008 closing a front side 1010 of the housing, a washing chamber 1018,and one or more insulation members 1016.

The dishwasher 1000 includes a base portion 1034 that is provided with aplurality of legs 1022 and/or wheels 1023 that support the housing 1002.The wheels 1023 enable an installer to easily position the dishwasher1000 and the legs 1022 enable the installer to accurately position/levelthe dishwasher. The pump 1004 and drive motor 1006 (FIG. 13) areprovided in a cavity 1024 between the legs 1022 and below the housing1002. The cavity 1024 has a height HC.

The dishwasher 1000 includes a wash arm 1014 that is arranged within thewashing chamber 1018 above a sump 1015. The wash arm 1014 selectivelydelivers jets of washing fluid onto kitchenware placed within dishwasher1000 in a manner known in the art. The pump 1004 (FIG. 13) is connectedto the sump 1015. In operation, the pump 1004 creates a circulating flowof washing fluid within the washing chamber 1018 during a washingoperation.

The dishwasher 1000 differs from the dishwasher 500 in that thedishwasher 1000 includes an insulation member 1040 with integratedutilities passages (e.g. water and electrical) capable of routingutilities through the insulation member 1040. The insulation member 1040can be configured in a variety of ways, such as for example, differentshapes, sizes, and materials used. Any configuration that may routeutilities through the insulation member may be used. In someembodiments, the insulation member 1040 is multilayered similarly to theinsulation members previously described (i.e. one or more dense orfacing layers and one or more porous sound absorbing layers). In theexemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, the insulationmember 1040 is generally L-shaped having a first portion 1042 extendingperpendicular to, or generally perpendicular to, a second portion 1044.

Referring to FIG. 11, the first portion 1042 includes a first leg 1046and a second leg 1048 spaced apart from and extending parallel to, orgenerally parallel to, the first leg. The first leg 1046 is separatedfrom the second leg 1048 by a recess 1050. The insulation member 1040includes a rear surface 1052, the first leg 1046 includes a first frontsurface 1054, and the second leg 1048 includes a second front surface1056. The insulation member has a length L, a width W, the first portionhas a height H1, and the second portion has a height H2 that is greaterthan the height H1.

The insulation member 1040 also includes a first utility passage 1060, asecond utility passage 1062, and a third utility passage 1064. Thenumber of utility passages may vary in different embodiments of theinsulation member 1040. The utility passages may be configured in avariety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the utility passagesmay include fluid conduits suitable for fluid flow through the conduit.The fluid conduits can connect to other fluid conduits, such as forexample, a water line or hose, to allow fluid from another fluid conduitto flow into the fluid conduit of the utility passage, or vice versa,and be directed to another location. In some embodiments, the utilitypassages may also include an electrical wire or wires that can connectto a source of electricity, such as another electrical wire or a powersource, to allow electricity from the source of electricity to flowthrough the electrical wiring and be directed to another location. Insome embodiments, the utility passages may be a bore or an enclosed oropen channel extending through the insulation member. The bore orchannel may be configured to receive a utility line, such as forexample, a fluid conduit or electrical wiring, to allow the utility lineto extend through the insulation member.

The insulation member 1040 can be made from a wide variety of differentmaterials. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limitedto, a non-woven synthetic material, a non-woven natural material andmixtures thereof. The material may include thermoplastic fiber material,thermosetting fiber material, bi-component fiber material and mixturesthereof. Various polymers can be included in the insulation member 1040,such as for example, material or materials selected from a groupconsisting of polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, nylon,rayon, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, cotton,kenaf, silk, cellulose, hemp, shoddy, fiberglass, and mixtures thereof.In one exemplary embodiment, the insulation member 1040 can include thesame material used for the porous, sound absorbing layer 20 of theinsulation members 16, 18 of FIGS. 1-2 In one exemplary embodiment, theinsulation member 1040 is made from a fine fiber PET material, such as a2 denier fiber size PET material.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the first utilitypassage 1060 includes a first fluid conduit 1066 having an inlet 1068 atthe rear surface 1052, and an outlet 1070 extending from the first frontsurface 1054 of the first leg 1046. In other embodiments, however, theinlet 1068 and the outlet 1070 may be reversed or may be located insurfaces other than the rear surface 1052 and first front surface 1054,respectively. The first utility passage 1060 may include a connection atthe inlet 1068 capable of fluidly coupling to another fluid conduit,such as for example a water line or hose. For example, the connectionmay be a hose coupling or other suitable connector. The first fluidconduit 1066 may be a hose or pipe extending through the insulationmember 1040 and may to used, for example, to route water to thedishwasher from a water source.

The second utility passage 1062 includes a second fluid conduit 1072having an outlet 1074 at the rear surface 1052 and an inlet 1076extending from the first front surface 1054 of the first leg 1046. Inother embodiments, however, the outlet 1074 and the inlet 1076 may bereversed or may be located in surfaces other than the rear surface 1052and first front surface 1054, respectively. The first utility passage1062 may include a connection at the outlet 1074 capable of fluidlycoupling to another fluid conduit, such as for example, a water line orhose. For example, the connection may be a hose coupling or othersuitable connector. The second fluid conduit 1072 may be a hose or pipeextending through the insulation member 1040 and may to used, forexample, to route water from the dishwasher to a drain.

The third utility passage 1064 includes an electrical conductor, such asfor example electrical wiring, having an electrical connection 1078 atthe rear surface 1052 and an electrical lead 1080 at or extending fromthe second front surface 1056 of the second leg 1048. The electricalconnection 1078 may be configured in any suitable manner to electricallycouple to an electrical source. The third utility passage 1064 may beused, for example, to route electrical power to the dishwasher 1000.

FIG. 12 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an insulation member1240 with integrated utilities passages (e.g. water and electrical). Theinsulation member 1240 is similar to the insulation member 1040 of FIGS.10 and 11 in that the insulation member 1240 includes a first portion1242 extending perpendicular to, or generally perpendicular to, a secondportion 1244. The first portion 1242 includes a first leg 1246 and asecond leg 1248 spaced apart from and extending parallel to, orgenerally parallel to, the first leg. The first leg 1246 is separatedfrom the second leg 1248 by a recess 1250. The insulation member 1240includes a rear surface 1252, the first leg 1246 includes a first frontsurface 1254, and the second leg 1248 includes a second front surface1256. The insulation member 1240 has a length L, a width W, the firstportion 1242 has a height H1, and the second portion 1244 has a heightH2 that is greater than the height H1. In the exemplary embodiment, theheight H1 is less than the height HC of the cavity 1024 (FIG. 10) suchthat the first portion 1242 may fit within the cavity.

The insulation member 1240 also includes a first utility passage 1260and a second utility passage 1262 extending from the rear surface 1252to the first front surface 1254, and a third utility passage 1264extending from the rear surface 1252 to the second front surface 1256.The first utility passage 1260 includes a fluid conduit 1266 having aninlet 1268 at the rear surface 1252 and an outlet 1270 extending fromthe first front surface 1254 of the first leg 1246. The second utilitypassage 1262 includes a fluid conduit 1072 having an outlet 1274 at therear surface 1252 and an inlet 1276 extending from the first frontsurface 1054 of the first leg 1246. The third utility passage 1264includes an electrical line, such as for example electrical wiring,having an electrical connection 1278 at the rear surface 1252 and anelectrical lead 1280 at or extending from the second front surface 1256of the second leg 1248. In other embodiments, however, the inlet, theoutlet, and the connections for each of the utility passages may bereversed or may be located in surfaces other than the rear surface andthe first front surface.

The insulation member 1240, however, differs from the insulation member1040 in that the insulation member 1240 is separated along its length Linto a top portion 1282 and a bottom portion 1284.

The top portion 1282 and the bottom portion 1284 may be separate,unconnected portions or may be connected but separable, such as forexample, connected by a hinge (not shown) in a clamshell arrangement. Inthe illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12, the top portion 1282 and thebottom portion 1284 bisect the first portion 1242 such that the heightof the top portion 1282 in the first portion 1242 is ½H1 and the heightof the bottom portion 1284 in the first portion 1242 is ½H1. In otherembodiment, however, the top portion 1282 and the bottom portion 1284may each have a height that is greater than or less than ½H1.

The interface between the top portion 1282 and the bottom portion 1284intersects at least one of the utility passages 1260, 1262, 1264. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 12, the interface between the top portion1282 and the bottom portion 1284 intersects all of the utility passages1260, 1262, 1264 such that separating the top portion from the bottomportion grants access to the length of the utility passages 1260, 1262,1264.

FIGS. 13-17 illustrate an exemplary acoustically insulated machineassembly 1300 including the dishwasher 1000, the insulation member 1040,and a cabinet or wall space 1301. The cabinet or wall space 1301includes a rear wall 1302, a first side wall 1304, and a second sidewall1306 that form a recess 1308 for receiving the dishwasher 1000.Extending from the cabinet or wall space 1301 are one or more utilitylines. In the illustrated embodiment, a water supply line 1310, a waterdrain line 1312, and an electrical supply line 1314 extend from thecabinet or wall space 1301. In other embodiments, however, any number ofutility lines may be associated with the acoustically insulated machineassembly 1300.

The dishwasher 1000 includes a water inlet 1320, a water outlet 1322,and an electrical power connection 1324. The water inlet 1320, the wateroutlet 1322, and the electrical power connection 1324 may be accessiblefrom the cavity 1024 located between the legs 1022 and below the housing1004 (FIG. 10).

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an exemplary assembly process for thedishwasher assembly 1300 may begin with the insulation member 1040 beingconnected to the one or more utility lines. In particular, the watersupply line 1310 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 1068, the water drainline 1312 is fluidly coupled to the outlet 1074, and the electricalsupply line 1314 is electrically connected to the electrical connection1078 at the rear surface 1052 of the insulation member 1040. Thus, waterexiting the water supply line 1310 may enter the first fluid conduit1066 through the inlet 1068, water exiting the second fluid conduit 1072may enter the water drain line 1312 through the outlet 1074, andelectricity may be routed from the electrical supply line 1314 to theelectrical conductor 1064 via the electrical connection 1078.

As shown in FIG. 15, once the water inlet 1320, the water outlet 1322,and the electrical power connection 1324 have been operatively coupledto the insulation member 1040, the insulation member 1040 may bepositioned in the recess 1308 with the rear surface 1052 adjacent therear wall 1302 and the first front surface 1054 and second front surface1056 facing outward from the recess. In the exemplary embodiment, thefirst fluid conduit 1066 and the second fluid conduit 1072, and theelectrical conductor 1064 extend outward from the first front surface1054 and second front surface 1056, respectively, to facilitate beingconnected to the dishwasher 1000.

As shown in FIGS. 16 an 17, once the insulation member 1040 ispositioned within the recess 1308, the dishwasher 1000 may be positionedin the recess over top of the insulation member 1040 such that theinsulation member is positioned in the cavity 1024 between the legs 1022and below the housing 1002 (FIG. 10). In this position, the first frontsurface 1054 and second front surface 1056 are near or adjacent thefront side 1010 of the housing 1002 and the one or more insulationmembers 1016, when installed.

Likewise, in this position, the pump 1004 and the motor 1006 can bereceived in the recess 1050 between the first leg 1046 and the secondleg 1048. The second portion 1044 of the insulation member 1040 mayextend upward along or adjacent a portion of the back surface 1052 ofthe dishwasher 1000. The first fluid conduit 1066 may then be connectedto the water inlet 1320, the second fluid conduit 1072 may be connectedto the water outlet 1322, and the electrical conductor 1064 may beconnected to the electrical power connection 1324 on the dishwasher1000.

When installed as described, the insulation member 1040 cooperates withthe one or more insulation members 1016 to fully, or at least partially,encircle the pump 1004 and the motor 1006. Thus, the insulation member1040, along with the one or more insulation members 1016, provideseffective sound absorption and provides a convenient way to route andconnect utilities, such as water and electricity, to the dishwasher1000.

Referring to FIG. 18, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 1800. Theacoustically insulated dishwasher 1800 illustrated by FIG. 18 is similarto the dishwasher 1000 of FIG. 10 in that the dishwasher includes ahousing 1802, a pump 1804 and a drive motor 1806 (See FIG. 22), a plate1808 closing a front side 1810 of the housing, a washing chamber 1818,and one or more insulation members 1816.

The dishwasher 1800 includes a base portion 1834 that is provided with aplurality of legs 1822 and/or wheels 1823 that support the housing 1802.The wheels 1823 enable an installer to easily position the dishwasher1800 and the legs 1822 enable the installer to accurately position/levelthe dishwasher. The pump 1804 and drive motor 1806 (FIG. 22) areprovided in a cavity 1824 between the legs 1822 and below the housing1802. The cavity 1824 has a height HC.

The dishwasher 1800 includes a wash arm 1814 that is arranged within thewashing chamber 1818 above a sump 1815. The wash arm 1814 selectivelydelivers jets of washing fluid onto kitchenware placed within dishwasher1800 in a manner known in the art. The pump 1804 (FIG. 22) is connectedto the sump 1815. In operation, the pump 1804 creates a circulating flowof washing fluid within the washing chamber 1818 during a washingoperation.

The dishwasher 1800 also includes an insulation member 1840 withintegrated utilities passages (e.g. water and electrical) that issimilar to the insulation member 1040 of FIG. 10. The insulation member1840, however, differs from the insulation member 1040 in that theinsulation member 1840 is not generally L-shaped (i.e. does not includea first portion extending perpendicular to, or generally perpendicularto, a second portion). In addition, the insulation member 1840 includesan enclosed channel extending through the insulation member to receiveand allow a utility line to be received in the channel and to extendthrough the insulation member.

Referring to FIG. 19, the insulation member 1840 is generally planar andincludes a first leg 1846 and a second leg 1848 spaced apart from andextending parallel to, or generally parallel to, the first leg. Thefirst leg 1846 is separated from the second leg 1848 by a recess 1850.The insulation member 1840 includes a rear surface 1852, the first leg1846 includes a first front surface 1854, and the second leg 1848includes a second front surface 1856. The insulation member 1840 has alength L, a width W, and a height H. The height H can be less that theheight HC of the cavity 1820 to allow the insulation member to fitwithin the cavity.

The insulation member 1840 also includes a first utility passage 1860, asecond utility passage 1862, and a third utility passage 1864. Thenumber of utility passages may vary in different embodiments of theinsulation member 1840. The utility passages may be configured in avariety of ways. For example, in some embodiments, the utility passagesmay include fluid conduits that can connect to other fluid conduits,such as for example, a water line or hose, to allow fluid from the hoseto flow into the fluid conduit, or vice versa, and be directed toanother location. The utility passages may also include an electricalwire or wires that can connect to a source of electricity, such asanother electrical wire or a power source, to allow electricity from thesource of electricity to flow through the electrical wiring and bedirected to another location. The utility passages may also include abore or channel extending through the insulation member. The bore orchannel may be configured to allow a utility line, such as for example,a fluid conduit or electrical wiring, to extend through the passage.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 19 and 20, the first utilitypassage 1860 includes an enclosed channel 1866 having an inlet 1868 atthe rear surface 1852, and an outlet 1870 extending from the first frontsurface 1854 of the first leg 1846. In other embodiments, however, theinlet 1868 and the outlet 1870 may be reversed or may be located insurfaces other than the rear surface 1852 and the first front surface1854, respectively.

The second utility passage 1862 includes an enclosed channel 1872 havingan outlet 1874 at the rear surface 1852, and an inlet 1876 extendingfrom the first front surface 1854 of the first leg 1846. In otherembodiments, however, the outlet 1874 and the inlet 1876 may be reversedor may be located in surfaces other than the rear surface 1852 and thefirst front surface 1854, respectively.

The third utility passage 1864 includes an enclosed channel 1877 havingan inlet 1878 at the rear surface 1852 and an outlet 1880 at the secondfront surface 1856 of the second leg 1848. In other embodiments,however, the inlet 1878 and the outlet 1880 may be reversed or may belocated in surfaces other than the rear surface 1852 and the secondfront surface 1856, respectively.

FIG. 20 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an insulation member2040 with integrated utilities passages (e.g. water and electrical). Theinsulation member 2040 is similar to the insulation member 1840 of FIG.19 in that the insulation member 2040 is planar, or generally planer,and includes a first leg 2046 and a second leg 2048 spaced apart fromand extending parallel to, or generally parallel to, the first leg. Thefirst leg 2046 is separated from the second leg 2048 by a recess 2050.The insulation member 2040 includes a rear surface 2052, the first leg2046 includes a first front surface 2054, and the second leg 2048includes a second front surface 2056. The insulation member 2040 has alength L, a width W, and has a height H.

The insulation member 2040 also includes a first utility passage 2060and a second utility passage 2062 extending from the rear surface 2052to the first front surface 2054, and a third utility passage 2064extending from the rear surface 2052 to the second front surface 2056.The first utility passage 2060 includes an enclosed channel 2066 havingan inlet 2068 at the rear surface 2052 and an outlet 2070 at the firstfront surface 2054 of the first leg 2046. The second utility passage2062 includes an enclosed channel 2072 having an outlet 2074 at the rearsurface 2052 and an inlet 2076 at the first front surface 2054 of thefirst leg 2046. The third utility passage 2064 includes an enclosedchannel 2077 having an inlet 2078 at the rear surface 2052 and an outlet2080 at the from second front surface 2056 of the second leg 2048.

The insulation member 2040, however, differs from the insulation member1840 of FIG. 19 in that the insulation member 2040 is separated alongits length L into a top portion 2082 and a bottom portion 2084, similarto the insulation member 1240 of FIG. 12. Thus, the top portion 2082 andthe bottom portion 2084 may be separate, unconnected portions or may beconnected but separable, such as for example, connected by a hinge (notshown) in a clamshell arrangement. The top portion 2082 and the bottomportion 2084 may bisect the insulation member 2040 such that the heightof the top portion 2082 and the bottom portion 2084 is ½H. In otherembodiment, however, the top portion 2082 and the bottom portion 2084may each have a height that is greater than or less than ½H.

The interface between the top portion 2082 and the bottom portion 2084intersects at least one of the utility passages 2060, 2062, 2064. In theillustrated embodiment of FIG. 20, the interface between the top portion2082 and the bottom portion 2084 intersects all of the utility passages2060, 2062, 2064 such that separating the top portion from the bottomportion grants access to the length of the enclosed channels 2066, 2072,2077.

FIG. 21 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of an insulation member2140 with integrated utilities passages (e.g. water and electrical). Theinsulation member 2140 is similar to the insulation member 1840 of FIG.19 in that the insulation member 2140 is planar, or generally planer,and includes a first leg 2146 and a second leg 2148 spaced apart fromand extending parallel to, or generally parallel to, the first leg. Thefirst leg 2146 is separated from the second leg 2148 by a recess 2050.The insulation member 2140 includes a rear surface 2152, the first leg2146 includes a first front surface 2154, and the second leg 2148includes a second front surface 2156. The insulation member 2140 has alength L, a width W, and has a height H.

The insulation member 2140 also includes a first utility passage 2160and a second utility passage 2162 extending from the rear surface 2152to the first front surface 2154, and a third utility passage 2164extending from the rear surface 2152 to the second front surface 2156.

The insulation member 2140, however, differs from the insulation member1840 of FIG. 19 in that first utility passage 2160, the second utilitypassage 2162 and the third utility passage 2164 are configured aschannels that are open along a top side 2165 of the insulation member2140. In particular, the first utility passage 2160 includes an openchannel 2166 having an inlet 2168 at the rear surface 2152 and an outlet2170 at the first front surface 2154 of the first leg 2146. The secondutility passage 2162 includes an open channel 2172 having an outlet 2174at the rear surface 2152 and an inlet 2176 at the first front surface2154 of the first leg 2146. The third utility passage 2164 includes anopen channel 2177 having an inlet 2178 at the rear surface 2152 and anoutlet 2180 at the from second front surface 2156 of the second leg2148.

FIGS. 22-24 illustrate an exemplary acoustically insulated machineassembly 2200 including the dishwasher 1800, the insulation member 1840,and a cabinet or wall space 2201. The cabinet or wall space 2201includes a rear wall 2202, a first side wall 2204, and a second sidewall2206 that form a recess 2208 for receiving the dishwasher 1800.Extending from the cabinet or wall space 2201 are one or more utilitylines. In the illustrated embodiment, a water supply line 2210, a waterdrain line 2212, and an electrical supply line 2214 extend from thecabinet or wall space 2201. In other embodiments, however, any number ofutility lines may be associated with the acoustically insulated machineassembly 2200.

The dishwasher 1800 includes a water inlet 2220, a water outlet 2222,and an electrical power connection 2224. The water inlet 2220, the wateroutlet 2222, and the electrical power connection 2224 may be accessiblefrom the cavity 1824 located between the legs 1822 and below the housing1804 (FIG. 18).

Referring to FIG. 22, an exemplary assembly process for the dishwasherassembly 2200 may begin with the insulation member 1840 being positionedin the recess 2208. As the insulation member 1840 is positioned in therecess 2208, the utility lines may be received through the utilitypassages. In particular, the water supply line 2210 may received throughthe inlet 1868, extend through the first enclosed passage 1866, andextend out of the outlet 1870. The water drain line 2212 may be receivedby the outlet 1874, extend through the second enclosed passage 1872, andextend out of the inlet 1876. The electrical supply line 2214 may bereceived by the inlet 1878, extend through the third enclosed passage1877, and extend out of the outlet 1880.

If the exemplary insulation member 2040 of FIG. 20 is used in dishwasherassembly 2200 in place of insulation member 1840, the top portion 2082may be separated from the bottom portion 2084 providing access to thefirst utility passage 2060, the second utility passage 2062, and thethird utility passage 2064 along the entire length of the passages.Thus, the water supply line 2210, water drain line 2212, the electricalsupply line 2214 may be laid into the exposed channels, respectively,rather than fed through the passages via the inlets or outlets.

Likewise, if the exemplary insulation member 2140 of FIG. 21 is used indishwasher assembly 2200 in place of insulation member 1840, the watersupply line 2210, water drain line 2212, the electrical supply line 2214may be laid into the open channels 2166, 2172, 2177, respectively,rather than feed through the passages via the inlets or outlets.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, once the insulation member 1840 ispositioned within the recess 2208, the dishwasher 1800 may be positionedin the recess over top of the insulation member 1840 such that theinsulation member is positioned in the cavity 1824 between the legs 1822and below the housing 1802 (FIG. 10). In this position, the first frontsurface 1854 and second front surface 1856 are near or adjacent thefront side 1810 of the housing 1802 and the one or more insulationmembers 1816, when installed.

Likewise, in this position, the pump 1804 and the motor 1806 can bereceived in the recess 1850 between the first leg 1846 and the secondleg 1848. The water supply line 2210 may then be connected to the waterinlet 2220, the water drain line 2212 may be connected to the wateroutlet 2222, and the electrical supply line 2214 may be connected to theelectrical power connection 2224 on the dishwasher 1800.

Referring to FIG. 25, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 2500. Theacoustically insulated dishwasher 2500 illustrated by FIG. 25 is similarto the dishwasher 1800 of FIG. 18 in that the dishwasher 2500 includes ahousing 2502, a pump 2504 and a drive motor 2506 (See FIG. 26), a plate2508 closing a front side 2510 of the housing, and a washing chamber2518.

The dishwasher 2500 includes a base portion 2534 that is provided with aplurality of legs 2522 and/or wheels 2523 that support the housing 2502.The wheels 2523 enable an installer to easily position the dishwasher2500 and the legs 2522 enable the installer to accurately position/levelthe dishwasher. The pump 2504 and drive motor 2506 (FIG. 26) areprovided in a cavity 2524 between the legs 2522 and below the housing2502. The cavity 2524 has a height HC.

The dishwasher 2500 includes a wash arm 2514 that is arranged within thewashing chamber 2518 above a sump 2515. The wash arm 2514 selectivelydelivers jets of washing fluid onto kitchenware placed within dishwasher1800 in a manner known in the art. The pump 2504 (FIG. 26) is connectedto the sump 2515. In operation, the pump 2504 creates a circulating flowof washing fluid within the washing chamber 2518 during a washingoperation.

The dishwasher 2500 also includes one or more insulation members 2516that is similar to the one or more insulation members 1816 of FIG. 18.The insulation members 2516, however, differ from the insulation members1816 in that the insulation members 2516 include integrated utilitiespassages (e.g. water and electrical).

The insulation member 2540 includes a first utility passage 2560 and asecond utility passage 2564. The number of utility passages may vary indifferent embodiments of the insulation member 2540. The utilitypassages may be configured in a variety of ways. For example, in someembodiments, the utility passages may include fluid conduits that canconnect to other fluid conduits, such as for example, a hose, to allowfluid from the hose to flow into the fluid conduit, or vice versa, andbe directed to another location. The utility passages may also includean electrical wire or wires that can connect to a source of electricity,such as another electrical wire or a power source, to allow electricityfrom the source of electricity to flow through the electrical wiring andbe directed to another location. The utility passages may also include abore or channel extending through the insulation member. The bore orchannel may be configured to allow a utility line, such as for example,a fluid conduit or electrical wiring, to extend through the passage.

The insulation member 2540 may take a wide variety of different forms.In the exemplary embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 25-28, the insulationmember 2540. For example, the insulation member 2540 may have any of themulti-layer configurations of the insulation members described above.For example, the insulation member 2540 may include one or more porous,sound absorbing layers and one or more dense or facing layers attachedto a face or faces of one or more sound absorbing layers. In otherembodiments, however, the insulation member 2540 may be configureddifferently.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 25-28, the insulation member 2540is multilayered and includes a first dense or facing layer 2622 a thatfaces toward the pump 2504 and the drive motor 2506, a first poroussound absorbing layer 2620 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 2622 b attached to the firstporous sound absorbing layer 2620 a, and a second porous sound absorbinglayer 2620 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 2622 b. Thefirst insulation member 2608 has a first length L1 and has a generallylinear or planar configuration.

The first utility passage 2560 includes a channel or recess 2666, whichmay be open or enclosed, that extends into the insulation member 2540.For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 26-28, first utilitypassage 2560 includes an inlet 2630 at the first dense or facing layer2622 a. The channel or recess 2566 extends through the first dense orfacing layer 2622 a, through the first sound absorbing layer 2620 a,through the second dense or facing layer 2622 b and into the secondsound absorbing layer 2620 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel2566 exits the insulation member 2540 through a top surface 2570 (FIG.25). In other embodiments, however, each of the inlet to the channel2566 and the outlet to the channel may be formed in any surface of theinsulation member 2540.

The second utility passage 2564 includes a channel or recess 2566, whichmay be open or enclosed, that extends into the insulation member 2540.For example, in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 26-28, first utilitypassage 2560 includes an inlet 2630 at the first dense or facing layer2622 a. The channel or recess 2566 extends through the first dense orfacing layer 2622 a, through the first sound absorbing layer 2620 a,through the second dense or facing layer 2622 b and into the secondsound absorbing layer 2620 b. In the exemplary embodiment, the channel2566 exits the insulation member 2540 through a top surface 2570 (FIG.25). In other embodiments, however, each of the inlet to the channel2566 and the outlet to the channel may be formed in any surface of theinsulation member 2540.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an exemplary acoustically insulated machineassembly 2600 including the dishwasher 2500, the insulation member 2516,and a cabinet or wall space 2601. The cabinet or wall space 2601includes a rear wall 2602, a first side wall 2604, and a second sidewall2606 that form a recess 2608 for receiving the dishwasher 2500.Extending from the cabinet or wall space 2601 are one or more utilitylines. In the illustrated embodiment, a water supply line 2610, a waterdrain line 2612, and an electrical supply line 2614 extend from thecabinet or wall space 2601. In other embodiments, however, any number ofutility lines may be associated with the acoustically insulated machineassembly 2600.

The dishwasher 2500 includes a water inlet 2624, a water outlet 2626,and an electrical power connection 2628. The water inlet 2624, the wateroutlet 2626, and the electrical power connection 2628 may be accessiblefrom the cavity 2524 located between the legs 2522 and below the housing2504 (FIG. 25). The cavity 2524 has a height HC.

Referring to FIG. 28-27, an exemplary assembly process for thedishwasher assembly 2600 may begin with the dishwasher 2500 beingpositioned in the recess 2608. The utilities lines 2610, 2612, 2614 arepositioned in the cavity 2524 (FIG. 25) extending outward from the rearwall 2602 under the dishwasher 2500 and may extend outward from thefront side 2510 of the housing 2502.

As shown in FIG. 28, the insulation member 2500 may then be positionedalong the front side 2510 of the dishwasher or in the cavity 2524 underthe housing 2502 along the front side 2510. In this position, the watersupply line 2610 may be routed through the first utility passage 2560and connected to the water inlet 2624 and the electrical supply line2614 may be routed through the second utility passage 2564 and connectedto the electrical power connection 2628.

Referring to FIG. 29, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 2900. Thedishwasher 2900 is similar to the dishwasher 600 of FIG. 6 in that thedishwasher 2900 includes a cabinet or housing 2902, a pump 2904 and adrive motor 2906 disposed within the cabinet, a first insulation member2908, and a second insulation member 2910. The cabinet 2902 includes afront wall 2912, a rear wall 2914 spaced apart and generally parallel tothe front wall, a first side wall 2916 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 2918generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

As with the second insulation layer 610 of the dishwasher 600, thesecond insulation member 2910 may be multilayered. The first insulationlayer 2908, however, includes a first dense or facing layer 2922 a thatfaces toward the pump 2904 and the drive motor 2906, but does notinclude the first porous sound absorbing layer, the second dense orfacing layer or the second porous sound absorbing layer of the firstinsulation layer 608 of the dishwasher 600. The first insulation member2908 has a first length L1, has a generally linear or planarconfiguration, and is a distance Y from the pump 2904.

The second insulation member 2910 includes a first dense or facing layer2922 a that faces toward the pump 2904 and the drive motor 2906, a firstporous sound absorbing layer 2920 a attached to the first dense orfacing layer, a second dense or facing layer 2922 b attached to thefirst porous sound absorbing layer 2920 a, and a second porous soundabsorbing layer 2920 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 2922b. The second insulation member 2908 has a second length L2, has agenerally linear or planar configuration, and is a distance X from thefirst insulation member 2908. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 29,the first length L1 is smaller than the second length L2 and thedistance X is greater than the distance Y. In other embodiments,however, the first length L1 may be equal to or greater than the secondlength L2 and the distance X may be equal to or less than the distanceY.

The first insulation member 2908 is arranged parallel, or generallyparallel, to the second insulation member 2910 and the front wall 2912.In other embodiments, however, the first insulation member 2908 may beother than parallel to the second insulation member 2910 and/or thefront wall 2912. The first insulation member 2908 is spaced apart fromthe second insulation member 2910 such that an air gap 2919 is formedbetween the first and second insulation members 2908, 2910.

Referring to FIG. 30, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 3000. Thedishwasher 3000 is similar to the dishwasher 2900 of FIG. 29 in that thedishwasher 3000 includes a cabinet or housing 3002, a pump 3004 and adrive motor 3006 disposed within the cabinet, a first insulation member3008, and a second insulation member 3010. The cabinet 3002 includes afront wall 3012, a rear wall 3014 spaced apart and generally parallel tothe front wall, a first side wall 3016 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 3018generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

As with the dishwasher 2900, the second insulation member 3010 maybemultilayered and includes a first dense or facing layer 3022 a thatfaces toward the pump 3004 and the drive motor 3006, a first poroussound absorbing layer 3020 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 3022 b attached to the firstporous sound absorbing layer 3020 a, and a second porous sound absorbinglayer 3020 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 3022 b.

The first insulation layer 3008 includes a first dense or facing layer3022 a, but does not include the first porous sound absorbing layer, thesecond dense or facing layer, or the second porous sound absorbing layerof the second insulation layer 3010. The first insulation member 3008has a first length L1, has a generally linear or planar configuration,and is a distance Y from the pump 3004.

The second insulation member 3010 has a second length L2, has agenerally linear or planar configuration, and is a distance X from thefirst insulation member 3008. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 30,the first length L1 is smaller than the second length L2 and thedistance X is greater than the distance Y. In other embodiments,however, the first length L1 may be equal to or greater than the secondlength L2 and the distance X may be equal to or less than the distanceY.

The first insulation member 3008 is arranged parallel, or generallyparallel, to the second insulation member 3010 and the front wall 3012.In other embodiments, however, the first insulation member 3008 may beother than parallel to the second insulation member 3010 and/or thefront wall 3012. The first insulation member 3008 is spaced apart fromthe second insulation member 3010 such that an air gap 3019 is formedbetween the first and second insulation members 3008, 3010.

The dishwasher 3000, however, differs from the dishwasher 2900 in thatat least one of the pump 3004 and the drive motor 3006 are surrounded byone or more insulation members. The one or more insulation members maybe configured in a variety of ways, such as, for example, but notlimited to, the size, the shape, and the composition of each of the oneor more insulation members, the size and the shape of the perimeterformed by the insulation members, the orientation of the one or moreinsulation members, and the number of insulation members used tosurround the pump and/or the drive motor may vary in differentembodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, a third insulation member3030, a fourth insulation member 3032, and a fifth insulation member3034, in conjunction with the first insulation member 3008, form arectangular perimeter around the pump 3004 and the drive motor 3006. Inother embodiments, however, more or less than four insulation membersmay be used and the shape of the perimeter can be other thanrectangular.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third insulation member 3030, thefourth insulation member 3032, and the fifth insulation member 3034 havea length equal to the length L1 of the first insulation member 3008. Inother embodiments, however, one or more of the first insulation member3008, the third insulation member 3030, the fourth insulation member3032, and the fifth insulation member 3034 may have a different lengththan any other of the insulation members. As with the first insulationmember 3008, the third insulation member 3030, the fourth insulationmember 3032, and the fifth insulation member 3034 includes a first denseor facing layer 3022 a, but do not include a first porous soundabsorbing layer, a second dense or facing layer or a second porous soundabsorbing layer as the second insulation layer 3010 does. In otherembodiments, however, one or more of the insulation members 3008, 3030,3032, 3034 may have multiple layers.

Referring to FIG. 31, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 3100. Thedishwasher 3100 is similar to the dishwasher 900 of FIG. 9 in that thedishwasher 3100 includes a cabinet or housing 3102, a pump 3104 and adrive motor 3106 disposed within the cabinet. The cabinet 3102 includesa front wall 3112, a rear wall 3114 spaced apart and generally parallelto the front wall, a first side wall 3116 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 3118generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

The dishwasher 3100 includes a first insulation member 3108, a secondinsulation member 3110, and a third insulation member 3140. Each of thefirst insulation member 3108, the second insulation member 3110, and thethird insulation member 3140 can be multilayered. The second insulationmember 3110 includes a first dense or facing layer 3122 a that facestoward the pump 3104 and the drive motor 3106 and a first porous soundabsorbing layer 3120 a attached to the first dense or facing layer. Thesecond insulation member 3110 has a generally linear or planarconfiguration and is arranged generally parallel to the front wall 3112.In the illustrated embodiment, unlike the second insulation layer 910 ofthe dishwasher 900, the second insulation member 3110 does not include asecond dense or facing layer and a second porous sound absorbing layer.In other embodiments, however, the second insulation member 3110 canhave multiple dense or facing layers and porous sound absorbing layers.

The first insulation member 3108 includes a first dense or facing layer3122 a that faces toward the pump 3104 and the drive motor 3106 and afirst porous sound absorbing layer 3120 a attached to the first dense orfacing layer. The third insulation member 3140 includes a first dense orfacing layer 3122 a that faces toward the pump 3104 and the drive motor3106 and a first porous sound absorbing layer 3120 a attached to thefirst dense or facing layer.

The first insulation member 3108 and the third insulation layer 3140,however, differs from the first insulation member 908 and secondinsulation member 940 of FIG. 9 in that the first insulation member 3108and the third insulation member 3140 do not include a second dense orfacing layer or a second porous sound absorbing layer. In addition, thefirst insulation member 3108 and the third insulation member 3140 arewedge shaped. In other embodiments, however, the second insulationmember 3108 can have multiple dense or facing layers and porous soundabsorbing layers and the first insulation member 3108 and the thirdinsulation member 3140 may be other than wedge-shaped.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first insulation member 3108 ispositioned at the intersection of the front wall 3112 and the secondside wall 3118, the third insulation member 3140 is positioned at theintersection of the front wall 3112 and the first side wall 3116, andthe second insulation member 3110 is positioned between the firstinsulation member 3108 and the third insulation member 3140. In otherembodiments, the insulation members 3108, 3110, 3140 may be arrangeddifferently with respect to the cabinet 3102 and/or each other.

The first insulation member 3108 has an angled face 3142 and the secondinsulation member 3140 has an angled face 3144. The angled face 3142extends at an angle α relative to the second side wall 3118 and theangled face 3144 extends at an angle β relative to the first side wall3116. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle α is 30 degrees, orapproximately 30 degrees and the angle β is 30 degrees, or approximately30 degrees. In other embodiments, however, the angle α and/or the angleβ may be greater than or less than 30 degrees. In some embodiments, theangle α and the angle β may be different from each other.

Referring to FIG. 32, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 3200. Thedishwasher 3200 is similar to the dishwasher 700 of FIG. 7 in that thedishwasher 3200 includes a cabinet or housing 3202, a pump 3204 and adrive motor 3206 disposed within the cabinet. The cabinet 3202 includesa front wall 3212, a rear wall 3214 spaced apart and generally parallelto the front wall, a first side wall 3216 generally perpendicular to andconnecting the front wall to the back wall, and a second side wall 3218generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first side wall andconnecting the front wall to the back wall.

The dishwasher 3200 includes a first insulation member 3208. In theexemplary embodiment, the first insulation member 3208 is multilayered,is curved or includes angled portions, and partially surrounds the pump3204 and/or the drive motor 3206. Unlike the dishwasher 700, thedishwasher 3200 does not include a second insulation member. In otherembodiments, however, the dishwasher 3200 may include multipleinsulation members.

The first insulation member 3208 includes a first dense or facing layer3222 a facing the pump 3204 and/or the drive motor 3206, a first poroussound absorbing layer 3220 a attached to the first dense or facinglayer, a second dense or facing layer 3222 b attached to the firstporous sound absorbing layer 3220 a, a second porous sound absorbinglayer 3220 b attached to the second dense or facing layer 3222 b, athird dense or facing layer 3422 c attached to the second porous soundabsorbing layer 3220 b, and a third porous sound absorbing layer 3220 cattached to the third dense or facing layer 3222 c.

The first insulation member 3208 is V-shaped, including a first angledportion 3230 and a second angled portion 3232. In the illustratedembodiment, the intersection between the first angled portion 3230 andthe second angled portion 3232 is rounded or curved and the first angledportion 3230 and the second angled portion 3232 are planar, orsubstantially planar. In other embodiments, however, the first angledportion 3230 and the second angled portion 3232 may be curved and theintersection between the first angled portion 3230 and the second angledportion 3232 may be a point and/or the first angled portion 3230.

The intersection between the first angled portion 3230 and the secondangled portion 3232 is positioned generally between the pump 3204 andthe front wall 3212 with the first angled portion 3230 and the secondangled portion 3232 extending away from the front wall 3212. In theexemplary embodiment, the first angled portion 3230 extends at an angleα from the second angled portion 3232. In one exemplary embodiment, theangle α is 90 degrees, or approximately 90 degrees. In otherembodiments, however, the angle α may be greater than or less than 90degrees. The intersection between the first angled portion 3230 and thesecond angled portion 3232 is a distance X from the pump 3204 and adistance Y from the front wall 3212. The distance X and the distance Ymay vary in different embodiments of the dishwasher 3200. In theexemplary embodiment, the distance X is less than the distance Y. Inother embodiments, however, the distance X may be the same or greaterthan the distance Y.

Referring to FIGS. 33-34, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 3300. Theacoustically insulated dishwasher 3300 illustrated by FIG. 33-34 issimilar to the dishwasher 400 of FIG. 5 in that the dishwasher includesa housing 3302 having a front side 3310, a pump 3304, a drive motor3306, a washing chamber 3318, and one or more insulation members 3316.

The dishwasher 3300 includes a base portion 3334 that is provided with aplurality of legs 3321 and/or wheels 3323 that support the housing 3302on a surface 3305, such as a floor (FIG. 34). The wheels 3323 enable aninstaller to easily position the dishwasher 3300 and the legs 3321enable the installer to accurately position/level the dishwasher. Thepump 3304 and drive motor 3306 are provided in a cavity 3324 between thelegs 3321 and below a bottom surface 3312 of the housing 3302. Thecavity 3324 has a height HC.

The dishwasher 3300 includes a wash arm 3314 that is arranged within thewashing chamber 3318 above a sump 3315. The wash arm 3314 selectivelydelivers jets of washing fluid onto kitchenware placed within dishwasher3300 in a manner known in the art. The pump 3304 is connected to thesump 3315. In operation, the pump 3304 creates a circulating flow ofwashing fluid within the washing chamber 3318 during a washingoperation. As shown in FIG. 33, the dishwasher 3300 may includestructure capable of supporting one or more insulation members 3316within or adjacent the cavity 3324. For example, the base portion 3334or the legs 3321 may include notches 3326 or slots 3328 below the bottomsurface 3312 of the housing 3302. As shown in FIG. 34, the shape of thesump 3315 may extend downward into the cavity 3324.

The insulation member 3316 is configured to be installed in the cavity3324 and to be held in place by being received (e.g. snapping) into thenotches 3326 and/or slots 3328. The insulation member 3316 may also beconfigured or contoured to fit around the sump 3315, the pump 3304,and/or the drive motor 3306. Furthermore, the insulation member 3316 maybe configured to act as a thermal insulation in addition to acting as anacoustic insulation. The insulation member 3316 may be configured in avariety of ways. Any configuration that allows the notches 3326 and/orslots 3328 to hold the insulation member 3316 in place may be used. Inthe exemplary embodiment, the insulation member 3316 is illustrated asmultilayered, generally planar, and U-shaped. The insulation member 3316has a length L and a width W. In other embodiments, however, the shape,configuration, and size of the insulation member, for example may vary.

The insulation member 3316 may include a first leg 3346 and a second leg3348 spaced apart from and extending parallel to, or generally parallelto, the first leg. The first leg 3346 is separated from the second leg3348 by a recess 3350. As with the recess 1050 of insulation member1040, for example, the recess 3350 may be configured to receive the pump3304 and drive motor 3306 when the insulation member 3316 is installedunder the dishwasher 3300. In the exemplary embodiment, the first leg3346 and the second leg 3348 have an equal thickness T1 and equal lengthL. In other embodiments, however, the thickness and/or length of thefirst leg 3346 may vary from the thickness of the second leg 3348. Theinsulation member 3316 includes a first side edge 3360 extending alongthe first leg 3346 and a second side edge 3362 extending along thesecond leg 3348.

The insulation member 3316 includes an intermediate portion 3352connecting the first leg 3346 to the second leg 3348. The intermediateportion 3352 may be contoured to avoid interfering with, for example,the portion of the sump 3315 that extends into the cavity 3324. In theillustrated embodiment, the intermediate portion 3352 has a thickness T2(see FIG. 34) that is less than the thickness T1 of one or both of thefirst leg 3346 and second leg 3348. In other embodiments, however, thethickness T2 of the intermediate portion 3352 may be equal or greaterthan the thickness T1 one or both of the first leg 3346 and second leg3348. In the illustrated embodiment, the intermediate portion 3352 has aconcave upper surface 3354 to generally conform with a convex lowersurface 3356 (FIG. 34) of the sump 3315.

In the exemplary embodiment, the insulation member 3316 may bemultilayered including a first porous sound absorbing layer 3220 facingthe bottom surface 3312 of the housing 3302 and a first dense or facinglayer 3222 attached to the first dense or facing layer. In otherembodiments, however, the insulation member 3316 may be single layeredor include a plurality of multiple dense or facing layers and/or poroussound absorbing layers.

As shown in FIG. 34, when installed, the insulation member 3316 ispositioned within the cavity 3324 such that the first dense or facinglayer 3222 faces the surface 3305 and the first porous sound absorbinglayer 3220 is adjacent or abutting the bottom surface 3312 of thehousing 3302, including the concave upper surface 3354 generallyconforming to the convex lower surface 3356 of the sump 3315. In thisposition, the insulation member 3316 acts as both a thermal insulationand an acoustic insulation.

The insulation member 3316 is held in place by engagement of the firstside edge 3360 and the second side edge 3362 with one or more of thenotches 3326 and/or slots 3328. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstside edge 3360 and the second side edge 3362 are received in the one ormore of the notches 3326 and slots 3328 such that the structure definingthe notches and slots holds the side edges 3360, 3362 in place. In oneexemplary embodiment, the side edges 3360, 3362 are compressed to fitwithin the one or more of the notches 3326 and slots 3328.

Referring to FIGS. 35-37, an exemplary embodiment of an acousticallyinsulated machine is an acoustically insulated dishwasher 3500. Theacoustically insulated dishwasher 3500 is similar to the dishwasher 400of FIG. 5 in that the dishwasher includes a housing 3502 having a frontside 3510, a pump 3504 and a drive motor 3506 a plate 3508 (FIG. 35),closing a front side 3510 of the housing, and a washing chamber 3318.

The dishwasher 3500 includes a base portion 3534 that is provided with aplurality of legs 3521 and/or wheels 3523 that support the housing 3502.The pump 3504 and drive motor 3506 are provided in a cavity 3524 betweenthe legs 3521 and below a bottom surface 3512 of the housing 3502. Thecavity 3524 has a height HC.

The dishwasher 3500 includes a wash arm 3514 that is arranged within thewashing chamber 3518 above a sump 3515. The wash arm 3514 selectivelydelivers jets of washing fluid onto kitchenware placed within dishwasher3500 in a manner known in the art. The pump 3504 is connected to thesump 3515. In operation, the pump 3504 creates a circulating flow ofwashing fluid within the washing chamber 3518 during a washingoperation.

As shown in FIGS. 36-37, and similar to the dishwasher 1000 of FIGS.13-17, the dishwasher 3500 includes a water inlet 3520, a water outlet3522, and an electrical power connection 3524. The water inlet 3520, thewater outlet 3522, and the electrical power connection 3524 may beaccessible from the cavity 3524 located between the legs 3522 and belowthe housing 3504 (FIG. 35).

One or more of the water inlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, and theelectrical power connection 3524 may be movably mounted to thedishwasher 3500 relative to the housing 3502 to provide improved accessto connect utility lines to the water inlet 3520, the water outlet 3522,and the electrical power connection 3524. The water inlet 3520, thewater outlet 3522, and the electrical power connection 3524 may bemovably mounted in a variety of ways. Any mounting configuration thatallows at least one of the water inlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, andthe electrical power connection 3524 to be moved to improve access tothe at least one of the water inlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, and theelectrical power connection 3524 may be used. For example, the mountingconfiguration may allow at least one of the water inlet 3520, the wateroutlet 3522, and the electrical power connection 3524 to pivot, rotate,move forward, backward, upward, downward, or sideways, or anycombination thereof.

In the exemplary embodiment, the water inlet 3520 is connected to thehousing 3502 by a first pivotable connection 3550 and the electricalpower connection 3524 is connected to the housing 3502 by a secondpivotable connection 3552. In FIG. 36, the water inlet 3520 and theelectrical power connection 3524 are in a first position below thebottom surface 3512 of the housing 3502 and within the cavity 3524. Asshown in the FIG. 37, the water inlet 3520 and the electrical powerconnection 3524 may each pivot outward (as shown by arrows A) to asecond position in which at least a portion of the water inlet 3520 andthe electrical power connection 3524 extend outward from the cavity 3524past the front side 3510 of the housing 3502. The second positionprovides improved access to the water inlet 3520 and the electricalpower connection 3524 as compared to the first position where the waterinlet 3520 and the electrical power connection 3524 are in the cavity3524 under the housing 3502.

While in the exemplary embodiment, the water inlet 3520 and theelectrical power connection 3524 are positioned toward or adjacent thefront side 3510 of the housing 3502, in other embodiments, at least oneof the water inlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, and the electrical powerconnection 3524 may be positioned adjacent another side of the housing3502. For example, the housing 3502 may include a right side 3564 and aleft side 3566. At least one of the water inlet 3520, the water outlet3522, and the electrical power connection 3524 may be movable mountedadjacent to the right side 3564 or the left side 3566 and movablebetween a first position and a second position where in the secondposition the at least one of the water inlet 3520, the water outlet3522, and the electrical power connection 3524 extends outward from thecavity 3524 along a side of the dishwasher 3500- to provide improvedaccess.

In another exemplary embodiment, the dishwasher 3500 may include one ormore one or more insulation members (not shown) in front of the waterinlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, and the electrical power connection3524, similar to insulation member 1016 of the dishwasher 1000 of FIG.10. The one or more insulation members (not shown) may be movablymounted to provide improved access to connect utility lines to the waterinlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, and the electrical power connection3524. In some embodiments, one or more insulation members (not shown)may be mounted to one or more of the movably mounted water inlet 3520,water outlet 3522, and electrical power connection 3524 and will movewith the one or more water inlet 3520, water outlet 3522, and electricalpower connection 3524.

In another exemplary embodiment, the one or more insulation members (notshown) may be movably mounted to the dishwasher 3500 relative to thehousing 3502 to be moved to improve access to the at least one of thewater inlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, and the electrical powerconnection 3524. For example, the mounting configuration of the one ormore insulation members may allow the one or more insulation memberspivot, rotate, move forward, backward, upward, downward, or sideways, orany combination thereof to provide improved access to the to connectutility lines to the water inlet 3520, the water outlet 3522, and theelectrical power connection 3524. For example, one or more insulationmembers (not shown) may be connected to the housing 3502 by a pivotableconnection such that the one or more insulation members may pivotoutward and away from the cavity 3524.

While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventionsmay be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination inthe exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and featuresmay be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or invarious combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expresslyexcluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intendedto be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, whilevarious alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts andfeatures of the inventions—such as alternative materials, structures,configurations, methods, devices and components, alternatives as toform, fit and function, and so on-may be described herein, suchdescriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list ofavailable alternative embodiments, whether presently known or laterdeveloped. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of theinventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments anduses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodimentsare not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though somefeatures, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described hereinas being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is notintended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unlessexpressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative valuesand ranges may be included to assist in understanding the presentdisclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in alimiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only ifso expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features andconcepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or aimingpart of an invention, such identification is not intended to beexclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts andfeatures that are fully described herein without being expresslyidentified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventionsinstead being set forth in the appended claims. Descriptions ofexemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all stepsas being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps arepresented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly sostated.

1. An acoustically insulated machine, comprising: a source of noisepositioned within a housing; a first insulation member positioned withinthe housing, the first insulation member including a first porous soundabsorbing layer and a first dense layer attached to a face of the firstporous sound absorbing layer, the first dense layer having a densitygreater than the density of the first porous sound absorbing layer; asecond insulation member positioned within or attached to the exteriorof the housing, the second insulation member including a second poroussound absorbing layer and a second dense layer attached to a face of thesecond porous sound absorbing layer, the second dense layer having adensity greater than the density of the second porous sound absorbinglayer; wherein the first insulation member is positioned closer to theinternal source of noise than the second insulation member and the firstinsulation member is spaced apart from the second insulation member suchthat an air gap is formed between the first insulation member and thesecond insulation member.
 2. The acoustically insulated machine of claim1 wherein the first dense layer faces the internal source of noise andallows a majority of airborne acoustic energy having frequencies fromabout 100 Hz to about 800 Hz from the internal source of noise to passinto the first insulation member.
 3. The acoustically insulated machineof claim 1 wherein the machine is a dishwasher, the source of noise is apump of the dishwasher, and the first and second insulation members arepositioned between the pump and a front side of the dishwasher.
 4. Theacoustically insulated machine of claim 1 wherein the first dense layerand the second dense layer each has an airflow resistance between about600 and 1400 Rayls.
 5. The acoustically insulated machine of claim 1wherein the first sound absorbing layer is 15-300 grams per square footand has a thickness in the range of ⅛ inch to three inches.
 6. Theacoustically insulated machine of claim 1 wherein the first soundabsorbing layer has a thickness in the range of ½ inch to 1½ inches. 7.The acoustically insulated machine of claim 1 wherein the firstinsulation member is generally parallel to the second insulation member.8. The acoustically insulated machine of claim 1 wherein the firstinsulation member includes one or more angled portions that partiallysurround the source of noise.
 9. The acoustically insulated machine ofclaim 1 wherein the first insulation member is V-shaped.
 10. Theacoustically insulated machine of claim 1 wherein the housing includes afront wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall andwherein a third insulation member having a third porous sound absorbinglayer and a third dense layer attached to a face of the porous soundabsorbing layer, is attached to or adjacent one of the rear wall, thefirst side wall, or the second side wall
 11. The acoustically insulatedmachine of claim 1 wherein the distance between the first insulationmember and the source of noise is less than the distance between thefirst insulation member and the second insulation member.
 12. Adishwasher assembly, comprising: a housing having a front side, a rearside, and a washing chamber; a plurality of legs supporting the housing;a pump and drive motor provided in a cavity between the legs and belowthe housing; an insulation member provided in the cavity and having aplurality of passages extending through the insulation member forrouting utilities through the insulation member.
 13. The dishwasherassembly of claim 12 wherein the insulation member includes a first legand a second leg separated by a recess, and wherein the motor and pumpare received within the recess when the insulation member is positionedwithin the cavity.
 14. The dishwasher assembly of claim 13 wherein theinsulation member is L-shaped with a first portion the extends under thehousing and a second portion that extends along a portion of the rearside of the housing.
 15. The dishwasher assembly of claim 12 wherein theinsulation member includes a rear surface and the first leg includes afront surface and at least one of the plurality of passages extendsthrough the first leg from the rear surface to the front surface. 16.The dishwasher assembly of claim 12 wherein the utilities include awater inlet line, a water drain line, and an electrical supply line. 17.The dishwasher assembly of claim 12 wherein at least one of the passagesincludes a fluid conduit.
 18. The dishwasher assembly of claim 12wherein at least one of the passages includes an electrical conductor.19. The dishwasher assembly of claim 12 wherein at least one of thepassages is an enclosed or open channel capable of receiving a utilityline through the channel.